During Fiscal Year 2013, Bridgeport Hospital provided $91,000 in financial and in-kind donations to support job training, economic development and other essential services. The hospital considers these investments part of its overall commitment of Building Stronger Neighborhoods. Examples below focus on the areas of Revitalizing Our Neighborhoods and Creating Educational Opportunities.

Neighborhood Revitalization Zones – Several years ago, the City of Bridgeport organized Neighborhood Revitalization Zones (NRZs) in order to expand and improve business and housing in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods or areas within neighborhoods. The NRZs received technical assistance from the City and outside consultants, and engages neighborhood residents, non-profits, businesses and faith-based organizations to meet and form stakeholder groups. These groups identify the priorities and needs of the neighborhoods and are eligible to borrow state money to purchase blighted properties or offer low-interest loans to qualifying businesses for facade improvements. Hospital leadership has been actively engaged in the NRZ process from the onset with representatives serving on committees organized in the City’s East End, East Sid and Mill Hill neighborhoods, which are located near the hospital.

Neighborhood Revitalization Zones – Several years ago, the City of Bridgeport organized Neighborhood Revitalization Zones (NRZs) in order to expand and improve business and housing in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods or areas within neighborhoods. The NRZs received technical assistance from the City and outside consultants, and engages neighborhood residents, non-profits, businesses and faith-based organizations to meet and form stakeholder groups. These groups identify the priorities and needs of the neighborhoods and are eligible to borrow state money to purchase blighted properties or offer low-interest loans to qualifying businesses for facade improvements. Hospital leadership has been actively engaged in the NRZ process from the onset with representatives serving on committees organized in the City’s East End, East Sid and Mill Hill neighborhoods, which are located near the hospital.

Bridgeport Hospital Community Partnership – Several years ago, prior to the City’s effort to develop an NRZ in in the Mill Hill neighborhood, the hospital created what is now called the Bridgeport Hospital Community Partnership. This unique program was developed to implement measurable and sustainable quality-of-life enhancements in the neighborhoods directly surrounding the Hospital. Over 900 neighborhood residents receive invitations to attend the hospital-sponsored meetings where residents identify issues or concerns related to their neighborhood. These concerns, which run the gamut of fixing street lights to increasing police presence, are addressed by the City of Bridgeport with facilitation support by the hospital.

East End Community Council – The hospital provides annual operational support to the East End Community Council, a group of community residents, business, civic, religious leaders and community police officers. The East End Community Council works collaboratively to enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood through various initiatives including safe streets, food pantries, annual toy drives and a Little League team.

Seaview Avenue Business Alliance – Bridgeport Hospital, along with other area businesses, is a founding member of the Seaview Avenue Business Alliance. The Seaview Avenue Business Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving streetscapes and improving the area along the Seaview Avenue corridor. The organization also provides annual scholarships to students graduating from Harding High School who plan to attend college. In 2013, the hospital provided financial and in-kind support for these efforts.

Student Mentoring and Support –Reflecting its strong commitment to the Bridgeport community and support of education, Bridgeport Hospital continued mentoring and career exploration opportunities during the year.

A pharmacy internship with Stratford High School and participation in Career Day at Columbus Elementary School and Harding High School, both of which are located in Bridgeport.

A school supply drive was held at the hospital for students at the Hall Elementary School, located in the Mill Hill neighborhood of Bridgeport. Hospital employees contributed notebooks, binders, backpacks, rulers, packages of paper, crayons and pencils and other items to help assist the 350 students to begin their school year.

Bridgeport Hospital, through the Seaview Avenue Business Alliance, provided scholarships to seniors from Harding High School who will be attending college.

The Hospital is also a member of the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, which is a coalition of organizations, parents and other concerned individuals committed to improving the well-being of Bridgeport’s children through research, advocacy, community education and mobilization.